Head Injuries and Concussions

When my son was assaulted and ended up with a head injury, it wasn't until a week later that he started to show the symptoms of a concussion.

I had to learn quickly what those symptoms are and what they mean—and I am sharing what I learned here. I hope I can help someone else who has suffered a head injury.

At the time of the assault we were not thinking about a concussion. But a week later my son started having:

Blurry vision

Slurred speech

Massive headache

Dizziness when he got up after laying down

We took him to the doctor, where an examination showed that his blood pressure would drop upon lying down. The doctor told us he was showing classic symptoms of a concussion. They gave him a CAT scan to find out if there was any bleeding in his brain; fortunately, there wasn’t.

A diagram of the forces on the brain in concussion | Source

Signs of a Possible Concussion

If you have taken a hard fall or hit your head, you will definitely want to look out for any of the following signs of a possible concussion:

Loss of conciousness (even if brief)

Headache

Nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite

Dizziness or balance problems

Double or fuzzy vision

Sensitivity to light or noise

Feeling slowed down

Feeling "foggy," "not sharp," or confused

Changes in sleep pattern

Concentration or memory problems

Irritability

Sadness

Feeling more emotional

Slurred speech

When Symptoms Might Start

Symptoms might begin immediately, or they might not develop for hours, days, a week, or even a month or two. If you hit your head, be sure you take note of your body and any symptoms you might be experiencing and don't ignore them.

What to Do

If you think you might have had a concussion, get to a doctor right away. If you can, get someone else to take you since you might not be in good condition to drive.

Here's what will happen when you visit the doctor or ER:

You will be asked about the injury, how it happened, and what kind of symptoms you've been experiencing

The doctor might examine you physically to see if any symptoms are detectable

If your symptoms are very serious, you might need an MRI or CT scan to "look" inside the brain and determine if there is bleeding. The cost of these vary depending on many factors, but they range from $600 - $2000 and are covered by some insurance. You can call your company to see what you will have to pay.

How It Will Be Treated

Most concussions will heal on their own with rest. Follow your doctor's advice for modifying your activities to make sure you don't re-injure yourself and give your body a chance to heal.

Your doctor might recommend:

Taking over-the-counter pain relievers

Getting plenty of rest

Avoiding driving or riding a bike

Avoiding alcohol

Reducing workload

Avoiding strenuous activities

Having other people help you make important decisions (since your thinking might be impaired)

Ask your doctor how long you'll need to do these things. Rarely, concussions require surgery to treat bleeding, swelling, or serious injury in the brain.

During the first 24 hours after injury, your doctor might recommend that someone wake you up every 2-3 hours to make sure you haven't gone into a coma and that you aren't confused and don't have any abnormal behavior.

What If Symptoms Don't Go Away or They Get Worse

If you still have symptoms 2-3 weeks after your injury or they're not improving, you should talk to your doctor.

Continuing symptoms might include:

Stiff neck

Headache that gets worse, lasts for a long time, or doesn't get better with OTC pain relievers

Fever

Stiff Neck

Fluid or blood leaking from ears or nose

Changes in your speech, behavior, or vision

Changes in the way that you walk

Vomiting more than 3 times

Confused thinking

Seizures

What Is a Concussion?

Concussion is moderate to mild traumatic brain injury, also called closed brain injury. It can result from a blow, from striking the head on something, or from a sudden acceleration or deceleration (as from a car crash or explosion) that affects the head. The brain has a soft, gelatin-like texture and floats in a cushion of fluid. If it bounces against the skull, the brain can be injured.

Concussion can happen even if the patient didn’t pass out when he or she got hit or injured, or didn’t have symptoms immediately after the impact. The symptoms may develop over a few weeks and then gradually decline.

Why You Should See a Doctor for a Concussion

If you have any doubt about the severity of a head injury do not hesitate to get yourself to the nearestemergency room. A concussion is traumatic brain injury. Head injuries can be life-threatening and are nothing to play around with.

One reason to get medical advice is that concussion may be associated with even more serious injury—with bleeding into the brain (hematoma), brain swelling, or injury to the bones of the skull or neck.

Several years ago my father fell off a ladder. Within days he had a very bad headache. My mother took him to the emergency room. They sent him home twice without X-rays, and said he was just suffering from one of his "normal" headaches.

On the third trip there my mother insisted that they do an X-ray. Thank God she did, because the X-ray showed that my dad had a subdural hematoma (bleeding in the brain) which eventually required two brain surgeries.

Had my father gone home after that third trip, he might well have lain down and not woken up. Mostly likely my mother would not have gotten him back to the hospital in time and he would have died.

If there is any indication that you may have injured your brain, get to an emergency room right away. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, you might need a CAT scan (an X-ray in stages) or an MRI to find out if you have bleeding in the brain or other detectable injury. Better safe than sorry.

A Concussion Is a Traumatic Brain Injury

If all you have is a concussion, doctors are unlikely to find visible evidence of it, or prescribe anything that will heal it faster. Nevertheless, even if you don’t have a hematoma or another complicating issue, concussion is, in fact, brain trauma, and you should see a doctor.

A doctor can confirm that your brain has been injured, that you are going to feel sick for a few days or weeks, and that there’s not much you can do about it except take it easy until your brain heals itself.

Also, a doctor can give you permission to skip work activities that might be difficult for you—for example if they require balance or concentration you don’t have—and most importantly, support your decision to take a break from activities that might putyou at risk of another concussion.

Recovery From Concussion: Prevent Lasting Injury

It is clear that the brain can repair a single concussion, or several, but the recovery process is not well understood. It can take weeks, it can be uneven in pace, and it involves changes in the brain’s blood flow, ion balance, glucose (energy) supply, and the shape of the neurons.

There are at least two reasons why it's critical to let the brain repair itself before exposing it to risk of further injury.

A second concussion while the brain is healing from the first one can lead to permanent, even fatal injury; this is called Second-Impact Syndrome.

Repeated concussions can lead to progressive brain deterioration (chronic traumatic encephalopathy, CTE) which can be diagnosed through an autopsy finding of abnormal accumulations of tau protein in brain tissue.

The Frontline documentary League of Denial offers shocking evidence that hundreds of retired football players have permanently lost mental and emotional abilities because of the repeated brain trauma they suffered.

Other athletes—wrestlers, hockey players, soccer players—are also at risk for CTE, as are soldiers subjected to bombs and explosive devices. If you watch the documentary below, you may not want to watch American football any more, or let your kids play it.

Athletes and the Symptoms of Concussion

There is a lot of pressure on even young athletes to pull themselves together from an injury and get back into the game. If an athlete has had a concussion, though, getting back into the game is NOT an option. The risk of permanent brain injury from a second concussion before the first one is healed is far too serious.

The Centers for Disease Control say, “An individual should never return to competitive sporting or recreational activities while experiencing any lingering or persisting MTBI symptoms.”

Here are some signs that may indicate an athlete has gotten a concussion while playing sports:

Appears dazed

Has vacant facial expression

Forgets his or her assignment

Forgets plays

Disoriented about the game or the score

Has an inappropriate emotional reaction

Displays clumsiness

Answers questions slowly

Loses consciousness

Can’t remember facts like the date, their birthplace, who is President

Displays any kind of atypical behavior

Receiving Proper Care for a Head Injury

The brain is a vital organ. If it’s injured, it can cause repercussions for life. Although concussion symptoms do not necessarily mean lasting disability, they do indicate that there is a risk of a disabling condition, and they need to be investigated.

If you are diagnosed with the symptoms of a concussion, make sure you receive proper treatment and do proper follow-up with your physician. The good news is that our brains and bodies have amazing powers of healing. Sometimes all that is needed is time.

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BlackRaven135

2 years ago

I am old as dirt and yesterday took a bad fall onto linoleum covered concrete..It began as severe dizziness and then much worse and I fell backward..lower back, above buttocks, sustained first injury...

followed by my head..back of it hit the floor...

I went to my chiropractor who adjusted me and checked me over..but now wondering if there was a concussion..no symptoms save for mandibular joints which seem off (guess from the jar of head hitting floor)..

I did not lose consciousness save for the extreme dizziness which started it all......

Years ago I took a fall on concrete at OHSU med center ...fell flat on my face

Huge egg over my left eyebrow..left eye almost swollen shut..Casey checked me over and no broken bones..but this time it was backward

Kay389

2 years ago

I had a car accident almost 4 weeks ago. About a week ago I came out of the fog phase as I call it. Was starting to feel better. Well today I feel like I'm back at sqaure one. Is this normal? Or heard of? What should I do to relieve some of the symptoms? Can your symptoms come and go like this. BTW it was a severe head injury and I have been seeing many drs.

James 0-o

2 years ago

Thanks, Dorsi! On Halloween, I was hit across the face pretty hard by a rude teenager older than me when I said only two candies per person. I was tired and had a headache. I also had neck pain and this has solved most of my problems. Thanks for taking some time to write all this information. It has helped loads of people!! I have decided to see a doctor and my parents want to say thanks for the info. P.S. I am 11 so this helped as I don't know much. :D

AUTHOR

Dorsi Diaz

2 years agofrom The San Francisco Bay Area

Thank you everyone for visiting and I hope that you are all doing well. Looks like a lot of people have been reading and I am so glad this hub on head concussions has been helpful. There have been a few recent edits done with some updated information, including more information on sports related concussions.

wafa haqak

2 years ago

A month ago I got hit hard on the top of my head from the door of an almirah (made of wood)as I stood up. That area got heated up and I had a headache for sometime. I kept an ice pack there for an hour and slept and after I didn't notice any pain or anything wrong . But that time pain was severe. Does this need any check up?What am I supposed to do?

moonlake

2 years agofrom America

When my son was 28 he fell down the stairs had a concussion along with other head injuries. His heart stopped in the ambulance on the way to the hospital. He's doing fine now.

My friend's husband fell down the stairs a year or so ago and he didn't make it.

Head injuries are so dangerous I don't think a lot of people realize that.

Your hub is great and very informative.

RTalloni

2 years agofrom the short journey

Congrats on your Hub of the Day award for this useful info on concussions.

Kristen Howe

2 years agofrom Northeast Ohio

Dorsi, thanks for sharing this hub about the symptoms of concussions and what to do if you have it. I hope your son and father are okay. This is a highly popular hub. Kudos on that and congrats on HOTD! BTW, Will Smith did a movie called Concussion about the real life story about the doctor who discovered CTE, though he was snubbed for an Oscar nomination last month for it.

AUTHOR

Dorsi Diaz

3 years agofrom The San Francisco Bay Area

@The weirdo girl) I am sorry I just saw your comment in my feed. I hope you are doing OK, banging your head like that must have been very traumatic. Let me know how you are doing hun.

The weirdo girl

3 years ago

I hit my head doing a dive it was hard. My head hit the bottom of the pool. I guess i know why u shouldn't do deep dives. I have not told my parents yet. But i am kinda worried.

AUTHOR

Dorsi Diaz

3 years agofrom The San Francisco Bay Area

@erorantes) Thanks he seems to be doing OK but I still think he has some residual problems....like short term memory loss. I am glad you are doing OK erorantes, that must have been really hard for you to work through your head trauma injury, thanks for reading and have a blessed day.

Ana Maria Orantes

4 years agofrom Miami Florida

Hello miss Diaz. I am deeply sorry for your son's injuries. One time , in my teenager's years. I hit my head in a car accident. I forgot a lot of things from the past such as, events, people and everyday task and cleaning . Other good people help me get better at doing things. I was in college. I had to take special classes to remember and learn my subjects. I hope your son get better soon.

AUTHOR

Dorsi Diaz

4 years agofrom The San Francisco Bay Area

@Billy and Em, I am sorry to hear about your accidents. As I advise everyone here, when in doubt get it checked out. You could be suffering from a concussion and get better in time or it could be something more serious like a hematoma like my father had. Only tests can reveal that however. Let me know how things go.

Em-2513

4 years ago

Hi last week at camp I was walking by and I hit my head while someone was opening a door. I hurt but I let it go. For 2-3 days this week it's starting to give me these uncomfortable headaches that im assuming is caused by this injury. They last a few seconds and they hurt. Is that normal

Billy123

4 years ago

I hit my head really hard on a metal barricade coming down a hill on a mountain because I had no brakes, but when I hit my head I got off the ground and I felt like getting sick and I was really tired so I just layed on the ground I don't know how long I was on the ground the first time. This was around a week ago, what should I do. Ps I'm 15

AUTHOR

Dorsi Diaz

4 years agofrom The San Francisco Bay Area

Thank you erorantes for coming by and the kind comment.

Ana Maria Orantes

4 years agofrom Miami Florida

Thank you miss Diaz for sharing your knowledge on head concussion. It is good to know what happen when someone get hurt on the forehead. I like your article. I am certain that you are a good blessings for other people. You wrote an excellent hub.

AUTHOR

Dorsi Diaz

4 years agofrom The San Francisco Bay Area

@Crimson, Linda , Danny and Teresa, I am so sorry I just saw these comments. I must have changed my notification settings. I hope all of you and your family are doing OK after their accidents.

Teresa2323

4 years ago

I got hit on the head while playing dodge ball in school , And Later on I got horrible head aches dizziness Also I couldn't keep awake all day While my friends were talking to me I couldn't rlly hear them because I was so Dizzy

DannyV

5 years ago

My mom slipped on ice and fell on her head this morning. What do I do when I see her again?

Linda LindaC

5 years ago

My friend hitted my head with book, and when i back from school i wanted to sleep, i felt tired, today i dont feel right. Do i need go to the doctor?

Crimson Phoenix

5 years ago

I hit my head pretty hard on the doorway when I was carrying boxes out of the basement so hard my mother heard it in the house, and have been off balance, easily spacing out, and have had a constant headache in the front right section of my head since then. Is this likely a concussion, or is it just something I need to sleep off?

AUTHOR

Dorsi Diaz

5 years agofrom The San Francisco Bay Area

You are welcome Bee. Thanks for stopping by and reading.

BEEZKNEEZ

5 years ago

Thanks for all this helpful information. I really do think that concussions happen more often than we think. I'll be looking for these symptoms after my kids fall.

AUTHOR

Dorsi Diaz

5 years agofrom The San Francisco Bay Area

@Josie: I'm so sorry to hear about your accident and pain. I am not a Dr. or a nurse, I would advise you to see one though if you are concerned. Let me know how things go Josie!

Josie Tovar

5 years ago

Around November of 2007, I was in a tragic car accident that from the impact of my mother's car caused my body move to the side which caused my head bumped into my brother's head harshly that I lost most of my memory. I couldn't remember as to why I was there and what I was doing before this happened. I was so confused. While slowly regaining my memory back, the night after the car accident, the temple of my head hurt that when I bobble my head up and down, it would hurt like swelling. (Don't worry, I stopped when I felt the first pain of it.) Then the swelling went down and never hurt again. Yet, an hour ago, while listening to music, I was moving my head with the beat of it and the side of my head started to hurt; like an headache. What could it be? Please help!

AUTHOR

Dorsi Diaz

5 years agofrom The San Francisco Bay Area

@frostlady) Hey don't beat yourself up hun. I used to be a big time hypochondriac too. I can't answer your questions because I am not in the medical field but what I can say is that when my dad was hemorrhaging we knew something was wrong. He had terrible headaches that he could barely stand. They found the bleeding in his brain through x-rays so if you go in that's the least that they should do in my mind. And yes, if you have access to health care at least call and talk to an advice nurse if you can - she/he may be able to advise you better.

frostlady

5 years ago

Where do I go though? Would some doctor at the university health center be helpful? I don't think they would want screening or something. They'll just check and say I'm okay. Also, even if it is concussion, isn't it like the only way to heal is to just wait? (I already worked out some, should I continue my daily exercises? Also, I have to drive) Should I wait and see how I'm doing with more proper sleeping?

My main concern is about this being something more serious like hemorrhage. But I don't have that much symptoms. I guess the hypochondriac of the year award goes to Me.

Thank you for answering instantly.

AUTHOR

Dorsi Diaz

5 years agofrom The San Francisco Bay Area

@frostlady) I tend to err on the side of caution. I would get it checked out. It's better to put the worries to rest instead of dwelling on them.

Good thing is that if it is a concussion it usually does get better in time.

My daughter got hit in the head by a 35 pound flying projectile months ago that knocked her out cold. She had a concussion but she is better now, although she has some short term memory loss.

Good luck and let me know how you are doing.

frostlady

5 years ago

Wow after 5 years or something you are still answering. I'd like to ask, I casually bumped (right side of forehead, just above hairline) into half open door about 5 days ago (walking speed), and I kinda feel weird. I feel like right side of my head (ear, top, eye-face) feels weird (not exactly a headache but something nagging), could it just be the bruising? There is no noticeable bump. Also I feel tired all day, but it could be because of sleeping late and waking up early (just got back to college) (and there is the season change). I am kind of worried, I live with my family, I mentioned the bumping, but since I have a history of disturbing hypochondria nobody took it seriously, and I'm sure if I mention again they'll just say I'm imagining it all. Could it be serious, or am I seriously being a hypochondriac?

AUTHOR

Dorsi Diaz

5 years agofrom The San Francisco Bay Area

You are absolutely right fivesenses. Thanks for coming by.

Leena

5 years agofrom new delhi

yes, head injuries should not be neglected by anyone.

AUTHOR

Dorsi Diaz

5 years agofrom The San Francisco Bay Area

@Danette Watt) Oh my Danette. I am wishing the best for Denise's speedy recovery. It can take awhile.

@MPG Narratives) I agree MPG. Thank God you had access to a phone. I hope you are feeling better now.

@wiserworld) Yes wiser, I am seeing lots of concussions in household accidents. Definitely makes you think about making your home and activities as safe as possible although freak things happen sometimes.

wiserworld

5 years ago

Interesting statistics. We usually attribute this kind of thing to athletes and adults, but definitely more attention needs to be focused on concussions in the household.

Marie Giunta

5 years agofrom Sydney, Australia

I recently had a bad gastro virus and whilst trying to get up I fainted and hit my head on our tiled floor. Being home alone, and without realising what had happened, I came too with a throbbing head and managed to crawl to the phone and call my husband as well as our local doctor. My doctor thought I had sustained a concussion but he also said the virus may be causing some of the dizziness and vision problems. He sent me for a CT scan and luckily there was no bleeding. The virus went after 4 days but the concussion stayed for 6 weeks and the treatment was rest and time with pain killers for the headaches when necessary. The blurry vision went after a couple of weeks but the headaches lasted the whole time. I feel blessed that I was able to get to the phone and was helped quickly, concussion is not something to be taken lightly

Danette Watt

5 years agofrom Illinois

My sister, fellow hubber Denise Handlon recenly had a concussion when a patient at her work attacked her. She's experienced vertigo (which is slowly going away with exercises) and some other minor issues. Scary!

AUTHOR

Dorsi Diaz

5 years agofrom The San Francisco Bay Area

@EnglandBorn) I hope you are feeling better and if not yes an x-ray/cat scan/MRI would be in order. Let me know how you are doing.

@Pat) How are you doing?

Pat

5 years ago

Today I was walking down a wet tiled street with a friend. The ground was slippery and I (stupidly) tried to slide along it on my feet but I ran too fast and slipped over really hard. I Landed on my shoulder but the side of my head hit the ground quite hard, afterwards, I noticed I had muffled hearing in my left ear and the top of my ear was bleeding. It's been around 6 hours since this happened and I still can't hear very well. It feels like I just got out of the pool or like when you're on the plane and there's a change in the air pressure or something. My parents said to wait a few days in case it gets better before seeing a doctor.

EnglandBorn

5 years ago

Hi dorsi I'm a 17 year old girl and yesterday a basketball hoop fell and clipped me on the right side of my head, ear and shoulder.. It pushed me to the ground but no loss of consciousness, I called an ambulance straight away as my head was numb and I felt a bit sick and dizzy.. The paramedics took my temperature and blood pressure and did eye checks and it was all okay, there was small swelling on the right side of my head and redness, they sent me away and told me to go to A&E last night so I did, I was in there 5 hours and they said that everything appeared okay and that my shoulder bone is okay so I went home and went to bed but I've woken up feeling not myself... I'm not sure if its exhaustion from not sleeping all night of the worry but they didn't do any x ray on my head? I then went to the local doctors this Morning and he said I have a minor concussion, should I go back to hospital and demand an x ray? Or wait it out until tomorrow? Are 3 qualified doctors reliant enough? (I suffer from anxiety so worry a lot)

Thank you

AUTHOR

Dorsi Diaz

5 years agofrom The San Francisco Bay Area

@Girl) Sorry I have been away from my writing for a few weeks and just now saw your post. I hope you are doing OK and let me know how you are doing if you read this.

GirlFromEastEurope

5 years ago

I'm 18 and I've hit the side of my head about 4 hours ago (it was hard enough to see a flash in my eyes). The strange part is that I've hit the left side of my head but the side that hurt was right (and probably because after the collision I immediately made myself an ice pack there was no bump I'm beginning to doubt myself which part of my head I've hit :D)

at the moment I feel a slight pressure on my head. Should I be worried or is it something I can "sleep off"?

AUTHOR

Dorsi Diaz

5 years agofrom The San Francisco Bay Area

@Shell) Glad they gave you a CAT scan. I hope you feel better soon - sometimes these things take time.

Shell

5 years ago

Hi Dorsi - yep, had a CT scan the week after, came back clear hence the useless prescription. Guess I forgot that detail. Sigh...

AUTHOR

Dorsi Diaz

5 years agofrom The San Francisco Bay Area

DIP and Shell) In both of your cases I'm sorry to hear about your accidents. Any injury to our heads is a scary thing. I would get it checked out and insist on a CAT scan and/or an MRI.

Shell

5 years ago

Wow. This was an informative article! Wish I'd seen it a few months ago. Back in January, I gave myself a concussion while at home alone - I modified some of the moves for P90X, and needless to say one should never wrap a resistance tube around a towel hook in the hopes that this will substitute for a chinup bar. When the hook flew into my head, I made a funny noise. There was blood, and I blacked out twice. Still managed to call my husband, get a towel, clean the blood off my face, unlock the door, turn off the DVD, and get to the couch in the 20 minutes it took him to get home. Didn't go to the hospital for a week (until I couldn't get off the couch because of headaches), and was told I had post concussion syndrome. The doctor gave me a bottle of a pain pill that didn't work, and sent me on my merry way as fast as he could. It's now been 5 months and I still don't feel like myself - sleep is still out of whack, have a near constant mild ache (which sometimes turns into a horrendous headache), I'm very irritable with moods that fly all over the place, and can't focus on anything to save my life. My tolerance for stress has tanked - meltdowns are becoming the new normal, and I hate that. Will this ever stop? I have a doctor's appointment with my own practitioner next week - how should I bring this up with her?

DIP

5 years ago

i m 18 , i hit my head on a iron bar while lifting head upwards on my right side.. i since feel foggy and sad about not being careful and damaging my own brain ...i feel significantly tired(i m also on a tour) , the hit area is not sore . i feel like my head is not working as it use to ... now since i m 18 will the damage caused heal and the neural connections be healed back to normal or have i lost some brain forever??

AUTHOR

Dorsi Diaz

5 years agofrom The San Francisco Bay Area

@I'm sorry to hear that stephen. I hope your mom is doing better.

stephen page

5 years ago

iam deaf i got call my sister susan i talk susan she told on video phone with inper sign so i told susan how is my mom doing she tell me news my mo she is 83 year old she was so wike try walking but susan told me that my mom fall down hurt her head face one eye can see so susan has told me that doctor want test my mother barin and want make sure her barin hope to rember me son and my sister susan bother scott but i dont know iam worry about my mom i was crying worry i dont know why doctor want ch up my mother barin i dont know iam sill worry but she 83! she has keep eyes on her but why my bother scott want told my sister for put my mother a nure home afther march 17th bithday my mom told me be fore she does want go nurse home! that why she fal down she get so wike walk hurt hersif

AUTHOR

Dorsi Diaz

5 years agofrom The San Francisco Bay Area

@carmen) I just saw this comment and I hope your brother-in-law is OK.

carmen

5 years ago

my brother in law is in ICU he had a blood clot removed from the brain. it is still bleeding into the brain. and so far they are unable to wake him up. what does this mean?

AUTHOR

Dorsi Diaz

5 years agofrom The San Francisco Bay Area

@Sam) Thanks for stopping back by and letting me know how you are doing. Sometimes it can be confusing to work through these symptoms, because anxiety and depression could occur after a concussion - as a result of the concussion symptoms. I wish you all the best at getting back to feeling better. Hang in there!

Sam Jr

5 years ago

Thank you again for your patience of responding to me. I had visited a psychiologist in the recent month, and according to the doctor I was referred to, I had been evauluated as having some depression and anxiety. The doctor I had visited specifically told me I had not recieved a concussion and that these symptoms I had been involved of, were purely psychological. I do believe that they are. However, some of my thoughts just don't click entirely with the diagnosis. I noticed that my forgetfulness only began to occur after I had begun to feel down about not communicating my words the way I wanted to, back in October. Otherwise I had not experienced any forgetfullness, after that day. And even more so, I do not have memory loss as a person with concussional damage would have, as much as I do not have clarity with constant thoughts I didn't have difficulty keeping together in my mind. And then also, in a way I feel as if all of these symptoms I am going through can easily be reversed, since I feel like it's just the way I'm looking at them. But the difficulty is getting myself to return back to my ordinary functioning. Anywhom, I thought I'd drop an update to you about my situation. Thanks once again for your consideration! :)

AUTHOR

Dorsi Diaz

6 years agofrom The San Francisco Bay Area

@Sam) So sorry for the late reply. I've been out in the field working alot. I'm not sure but it could be related to depression, yet the symptoms are also similar to a concussion. It wouldn't hurt to run it by your family doctor. Best of luck Sam.

Sam Jr

6 years ago

Hello, approximately two months ago I had smacked my head on the edge of my parent's car door. Later that night, I had taken time to research symptoms of concussion and if I had possibly recieved one. I had not exhibited any at all, besides only a 15 second period of my head throbbing. Other than that I was perfectly fine. But I noticed the next morning, I had difficulty expressing myself and finding correct words to say in my conversations. I had already had this problem prior to the incident, but I had not begun to worry until I hit it. And ever since, I've had been exhibiting a few unordinary signs that weren't characterisitic of myself, such as forgfulness, irritability, some mood change and difficulty thinking as clear as I usually do. But at the same time, I also remember going through all of this long and long ago, and eventually I overcame the difficulty. Do you believe this could be symptoms of post concussion syndrome, or a form of depression? OR am I simply over-reacting to all of this? There are a number of factors that could be responsible for how I feel since they had been present long before I hit my head, but I wouldn't see how they would randomly explain all. I apologize for writing such a long post. I am sincerely worried about how I feel, and if it may be a permanent change for me. Thanks you for your time, I appreciate it.

-Sam

AUTHOR

Dorsi Diaz

6 years agofrom The San Francisco Bay Area

@carly) Your welcome and I hope you are feeling better :-)

carly

6 years ago

i just a few short weeks ago sufferd a had blow to the haed by an iron bar and am expeirencing some symptoms of a conccusion listed here so thank you for the information

AUTHOR

Dorsi Diaz

6 years agofrom The San Francisco Bay Area

@Leslie) Glad the info helped and I'm not sure about your symptoms - have you talked to a Dr. about it? I would.

Leslie

6 years ago

Hi Dorsi,

This info was really good. i was wonderig what i should do. when i was 16 i hit the back of my head on the toilet. i am 24 now and am looking to see if that was serious. i never told my parents till this day. should i go get checked out even if it's been 8yrs? Sometimes i forget small details or what my conversation with a person was the day/ night before. what to do?

ICANEATALLTHESEAPLLES

6 years ago

@Dorsi

Thanks for all the advice! I'm not going to do anything to vigorous until I see a doctor. I feel a bit better now, though.

AUTHOR

Dorsi Diaz

6 years agofrom The San Francisco Bay Area

@ICAN) Personally, I'd wait till I talked to a Dr. before doing any vigorous exercise. Hope you feel better over the weekend.

ICANEATALLTHESEAPPLES

6 years ago

@Dorsi

Thank you for your attention. It is now the next day, and my head still hurts. It's sorta funny, though, because now I can't even make facial expressions; it hurts when I try to. Heh...

The back of my head still hurts, and it definitely feels like I hit a nerve. I've gotten a little bit dizzy now too, but that's about it. I can't go to the doctor's today or tomorrow because I have a badminton class. That reminds me, can I still play sports? (I ask this because I walked up 15 flights of stairs yesterday night and my head was POUNDING by the time I stopped.)

AUTHOR

Dorsi Diaz

6 years agofrom The San Francisco Bay Area

@ICAN) Wow - what a double whammy! Yes, I would at least call your Dr. or advice nurse. That was quite a blow - hope you are feeling better and let me know how you are doing please.

ICANEATALLTHESEAPPLES

6 years ago

I was hit in the front of my head yesterday with a heavy wooden door, narrowly missing a metal piece jutting out of the door. My friend was leaving my house, and I was standing in front of the door, when he practically body slammed the door, sending it swinging outwards. The corner of the door connected with my head (with a loud crack, my friend later told me). I fell backwards and slammed into the floor, hitting my head a second time in the back. For about a minute afterwards, I couldn't get up. I can't remember if my vision was blurred or anything for some reason. I just remember a very sharp pain that has lasted until today. Right now, my head feels... numb, and there is pain in the front (where I got hit) and in the back right (that feels like a nerve or something), I also feel a little bit sluggish. Should I go see a doctor?

AUTHOR

Dorsi Diaz

6 years agofrom The San Francisco Bay Area

Hi Random) How are you doing? I've been away for a few days and just read your comment. Did everything work out OK?

RandomPerson

6 years ago

Earlier today, I fell off my bike, and hit my head, it was bleeding slightly, and there is a small bruise. I usually wear a helmet, but my chinstrap broke yesterday, and I need to get a new one. I dont think it is anything serious, but i just wanted to see if i should do anything. i was dizzy and had blurred vision for about 5 seconds after the incident, but ever since then, I have been fine. this happened around 7 hours ago, so am i fine, or should I go see the Dr.?

AUTHOR

Dorsi Diaz

6 years agofrom The San Francisco Bay Area

@Bonnie) Sorry to hear about your bad fall. I would follow up with the Dr. to make sure all is going well. I hope you get to feeling better soon - that was quite a fall.

Bonnie

6 years ago

I fell from a ladder at work, hiting severeal parts of my body. The back of my head hit, I believe a pipe about 3 inches around, did not lose counsiousness, very sharp pain,had my hand x-rayed because the dr. thought it was broke, only a contusion. It has been a little over four weeks, and still have depression from fall on head. Getting headaches, but also, my nasal septum and brow line hurt. Should I have a doctor address this, I am 61 yrs. old. Thank you.

AUTHOR

Dorsi Diaz

6 years agofrom The San Francisco Bay Area

@Sarah) You really need to see a Dr. Blacking out is not normal. Your coach should know this.

Sarah

6 years ago

I never went to the doctor.... The symptoms went away and my track coach told me that I'd be fine in about a week. But I get severe headaces when I run and after the mile on Tuesday I blacked out in the locker room. No one seemed to notice so when I woke up I got a drink of water and went back to class. Unfortunately there are no neurologists where I live that are willing to see me.

AUTHOR

Dorsi Diaz

6 years agofrom The San Francisco Bay Area

@emilie) Great advice for sarah - thank-you! Sarah, did you got to the Dr.? I hope you are doing OK. Thanks emilie for reading and the comment. Did you go to the Dr. emilie? Or at least call an advice nurse?

emilie

6 years ago

@sarah - DEFINITELY go to a doctor, sounds like it should at least be checked out, better safe than sorry and all that

Personally, as a VERY accident prone teenager, I've had quite a few concussions, but on saturday night I hit my head quite a few times, nothing amazingly bad, but over the past 4 days I've been feeling dizzy and sick and headachey and all that, but it's kinda getting better, should I still get checked out? Seriously cannot miss anymore school!

And also just thought it should be noted that another frequent symptom of concussions (or so I think, I'm no doctor) is a loss of appetite. Very useful and well written article! Thanks! :)

Sarah

6 years ago

Ok I'm 14 and yesterday my friend and i were at the pond and she accidentally threw a rock at the soft part of the back of my head. I instantly felt tired and a little disorientated(fell over trying to put on my shoes) and there was a clear liquid that seemed to be coming out of my head. After about 10 minutes I felt where she hit it an it was extremely tender and there was a huge lump. That night I went to bed and slept almost 13 hours and couldn't stay awake all day, I kept dozing off. And now every time I stand up I feel dizzy but then it passes... I've been icing my head but the headache will not go away. It feels like my brain is going to explode. What should I do?

AUTHOR

Dorsi Diaz

6 years agofrom The San Francisco Bay Area

@Katelyn) I would call the Dr. and let him know he still has a headache and see what he says. Let me know how it goes. That's good they took a cat scan.

Katelyn

6 years ago

Yes they did but he still has a headache.

AUTHOR

Dorsi Diaz

6 years agofrom The San Francisco Bay Area

@Siobhan) Injecting yourself? With what? Please be careful trying to treat yourself. What has the Dr. said? Hope you are doing better.

@Sonja) If I remember correctly he felt better within a week or so.

@Katelyn) Did they do x-rays or a cat scan?

Katelyn

6 years ago

Glad I found this page and pardon my spelling im using my ipod for this! Anyways but one of my close friends recently had a seizure and during this he hit his head on the way down. He went to the hospital and they performed test to see if he had a concussion. He doesnt but his head has been hurting still and its been 2 days since this happened. Is it possible that the docs overlooked something? Hes only 14 and is having no other problems but this headache.

Sonja

6 years ago

How long until the symptoms subsided with your son??

Siobhan

6 years ago

I have read this article and found it to be most helpful. From tuesday i started getting a stabbing pain when i breathe just under my right shoulder, also all my muscles and neck aching and headaches. Wednesday the pain when breathing disturbed my sleep and i went to the kitchen to get pain relief but whilst there i felt overly dizzy. I rested my head down on the worktop momentarily and can only conclude i hit my head on the corner of the cupboard door causing me to then faint and bash it on the floor aswell from the fact of there being 2 large lumps to the back of my head and a small cut. I don't know how long i was out for as i did'nt check the time, everyone else was in bed and i came around to my puppy licking my face. I seen my GP who suspects a blood clot on my lung which i'm having a chest xray to rule out and have been injecting myself to thin my blood in the mean time but no talk of a head xray as at the time i was more concerned about my breathing, but i car'nt move my head without the feeling of pressure, and i have a constant booming migraine. I cant handle noise or light, i'm tearful and depressed, lathargic, have fuzzy vision, lack of balance and concentration and irritable. Lost my appetite too (which is'nt listed) so i will definately be requesting 1 now at my next appointment. I'm a normally healthy 27 year old mother so don't fancy not waking up one day.

AUTHOR

Dorsi Diaz

6 years agofrom The San Francisco Bay Area

@Alexis,Jules and Jake) Thanks for reading. My feeling is that if you have medical insurance I would definitely check out these symptoms. I know if you don't have insurance it can be hard to decide on whether or not to go the Dr. My own thought? If it seems serious - and you have symptoms - money should be no object to taking care of yourself. Some urgent care clinics will see you right away and the price is not too bad to at least see a Dr. and find out if you should be concerned. Urgent care clinics cost alot less than a trip to the emergency room.

Best of luck to all of you and I hope you and your loved ones feel better soon!

Jake

6 years ago

My sister has been really good since then thanks for asking!!;DD .... though today it seems as if she's got really ill.... Being sick and having a temp... do you think this could be from her hitting her head even though theres been no sighns??... starting to become worried again... or am I just being paranoid?? sorry if i am...P.S thank you for all the info on the page once more!!! its great!!

jules

6 years ago

hi there, my daughter holly(2)fell out of her high chair backwards onto her head and her neck... she seems ok now, just a bit shocked i think. the lump on her head doesn seem that bad but im not sure! wot u think? should i go to A&E? she is sitting eating an ice-cream at the moment happy enough for now but im still bit concerned:-/

Alexis

6 years ago

Hi. Yesterday, I was at soccer practice when another goalie softball through a soccer ball at a cement wall and it hit my left temple. Today I am feeling light headed, mildly dizzy, detached, and I have a pounding headache. Should I be concerned? The ball bounced off the wall, it couldn't of hit me hard enough to give me a concussion right?

AUTHOR

Dorsi Diaz

6 years agofrom The San Francisco Bay Area

@Jake) YW and how is your sister doing?

YW Chantelle) Glad you are OK!

@Tria) Did you see a Dr?

Tria

6 years ago

I also have a sore neck and I'm 17 years old

Tria

6 years ago

So I was playing football and landed on the back of my head, I felt blood rushed to my head and was dizzy for a while, I went to sleep ealry and woke up at 12 due to a nightmere and than as I opened my eyes I felt a very strong pain in my head, I went back to sleep the next moring I'm still dizzy and as I turn my head I feel pain and dizzyness so am I ok? Or is it a natural head bump?

chantelle

6 years ago

i choose to just rest and i did get to see my boyfriend too :) my head only stopped hurting me but other then that im fine now ur website is really helpful thanks for ur help :)

Jake

6 years ago

My little sister whos only 5 years old hit her head a tire swing today- This was on the wood bit that holds the swing as it swings round.... She seems fine though a few hours later got a really bad headeache which soon went away.. though she was almost in tears when the headeach struck her.... so far a few hours after the headeache she now is fine again... should I be worried?... p.s Thanks for all the info on this page!

AUTHOR

Dorsi Diaz

6 years agofrom The San Francisco Bay Area

chantelle) hmmm... see the boyfriend or see the Dr....tough decision! which one did you choose and how are you feeling now?

chantelle

6 years ago

hi i was in school today and a girl hit me really hard on the head with a hardback journal fullfource and while i was in the gym and walking home i felt really dizzy and when eating my dinner started feeling sick and tired im worried that i have a concussion i told my mam and she said if i start vomiting she will bring me to the hospital but the thing is i have plans with my boyfriend ?

AUTHOR

Dorsi Diaz

6 years agofrom The San Francisco Bay Area

@kiko) kiko I am not in the medical field and cannot offer you medical advice except to say that it sounds like you are doing the right things by following through with your Drs. and yes a second opinion sounds reasonable. Best of luck and hope they get to the bottom of your health problems.

kiko

6 years ago

back in Nov, 2011 i got hit by a 60+ long box, i was told i suffer a concussion and had post concussion syndrome. i have pain everyday since the day of the ingury on my top left of head, also get headaches that last for days, i get like pulses or small shocks on that area, also my left eye hurts, even more when i get those pulses. 2 months ago i started to feel my left side of face numb, now these past 2 week i feel it numb, i dont have problems making facial expression, also the numbness is going past down past my face. the dr I am seeing whats too see my ct scan result from nov 2011. i what him to send me to take another one. any advice will help thank you

AUTHOR

Dorsi Diaz

6 years agofrom The San Francisco Bay Area

@david) Wow what a bad accident. I'm sorry to hear that. I would bookmark this page and just watch for any of the concussion symptoms. Best of luck. That was a hard hit on the head!

david

6 years ago

i was swimming and i leaned back in the water and smacked my head on the side of the pool in the ymca and i stood up and blood was just pouring out and i had to sit in the hospital with my head bleeding for 5 hours and now i have 2 staples in my head and i didnt have any symptoms but i dont know if i will

AUTHOR

Dorsi Diaz

6 years agofrom The San Francisco Bay Area

@London K,Bubble,raja,janice and butterfly) Sorry for the late reply. I've been working on another project all week. I hope this finds you all well. I am not a nurse or a Dr. so cannot give medical advice. What I do recommend is that if you feel something is wrong, have an unusual headache that persists, or have any of the concussion symptoms above it is a good idea to get checked out. I know some people don't have insurance and that's hard but better to err on the side of caution. That's my own personal opinion.

butterfly

6 years ago

I bent down to pick something off the floor at home, when I came up I hit my head very hard on a metal door handle, the door was shut. It hurt so bad I cried. The top of my head was and is still sore, but that makes 4 days and it's still bad. The pain is also in my temples, around my eyes and can be a heavy feeling or a sharp twinge. Yesterday my ears were ringing. I feel a bit thick headed too. The other day my head felt heavy when I woke up, like a weight pushing down. I haven't been to the doctor, is it something or nothing?

janice

6 years ago

I hit my head hard 2 days ago. I've experienced signs of concussions like headache, nausea,fuzzy vision. But today I'm okay now I never even see a doctor or under go ct scan. Is that okay or should I get it checked out?

raja

6 years ago

My brother had an ccident on 22nd jan 2012.After accident he had a surgey called "craniotomy".when he became consious he couldnt see i.e he lost his vision of his left eye which didnt hurt at all. His right side of skull was damaged and his right eye was damaged but he has some vision in his right eye. He cant move his right eye.Right flap of the skull is kept in his belly by neurosurgeon.Pls help me fr this case i.e my brother is having having vision problem from his left eye which not at all damaged!He says that it looks like a white layer is in front of his left eye.pls tell me what should i do?

Bubbles

6 years ago

I fainted last night I totally black out I fell face first and busted my lip and my nose hurt and my chin hurt I did not go to the ER all I know is that my forehead hurts. :(

London K

6 years ago

I was at the doctor's office the other day and was bending over to pick something up and ended up hitting my head on the corner of the cabinet. It happened yesteday towards the afternoon and I didn't think anything of it because I am always knocking my head against something. It still hurts when I touch it and when I bend down to pick something up. I did initially have a headache later that day after I head my head and it lasted awhile but I think it was more of a hunger headache. Today I am fine, no headache aside from the tenderness when I touch it, nor nausea just the small pressure on the spot where I hit when I bend over. Is that normal or should I get it checked out?

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